firmware

Canon releases EOS 40D v1.0.8 firmware update

Canon has released a new firmware update to its EOS 40D 10.1MP DSLR. The firmware update, v1.0.8, fixes a phenomenon in which Image Stabilization operation emits a sound when certain buttons are pressed, with the EF-S 55mm-250mm f/4-f/5.6 IS lens attached to the camera. It also fixes a phenomenon in which the Image Stabilization operation emits a sound from the lens when IS lenses are attached to the camera, as well as remedying another in which a part of the image looks unnatural when reviewed on the LCD. Finally, tt also corrects errors in … Read more

Nikon Releases D40 DSLR v1.11 firmware update

Nikon has released a firmware update to its D40 6MP DSLR. The firmware update, v1.11, is a minor update that corrects an issue where shooting times were not always accurately recorded within the image data for images captured in bursts of continuous shooting.

We generally recommend installing the latest firmware updates for your camera, so you can get the most out of your gear. For more information on firmware updates for a specific camera, visit the manufacturer's Web site. Before installing any firmware upgrade, always take the time to read through all of the documentation and follow the … Read more

Hacks claim to 'liberate' Canon shooting options

It seems there's no gadget immune to hacking. When Sony's PSP was first released, a homebrew firmware was spotted online a few days later. And some of the latest examples are in firmware for digital cameras.

The CHDK (Canon Hacker's Development Kit) is an open-source software that creates more shooting options (RAW image capture) and controls (max shutter speed of 1/60,000) for your Canon point-and-shoot that uses the DIGIC II and III processor. Developers claim that the camera's hardware is able to support many more functions but is being held back by the original … Read more

PS3 firmware with BD-Live support now available

The PlayStation 3 is the first Blu-ray player to support BD-Live functionality, thanks to a firmware update available today. Officially announced just last week, the update (version 2.20) was released right on schedule, and is now available as a free download to PS3 owners directly through the console's onscreen interface. Once installed, it allows the PS3's to access Internet-connected BD-Live content available on some discs. The list of compatible discs is currently minimal--just War and Saw IV available now, plus The Sixth Day and Walk Hard following on April 8--and the first round of BD-Live content doesn't seem to be very diverting. But as the list of supporting titles grows--and, ideally, the BD-Live content becomes more compelling--look for players that don't support Profile 2.0 compatibility to be confined to the clearance shelves. The PS3 remains the best bet for Blu-ray shoppers, even if they have no interest in using its gaming capabilities. … Read more

Apple releases new iPhone firmware

It's not a software development kit, but there is something new today for iPhone owners.

Apple released OS X firmware update 1.1.4 Tuesday for the iPhone, saying little about the new features. The last update, 1.1.3, introduced a few new capabilities such as the ability to customize the home page, but the only thing noted as new in 1.1.4 are "bug fixes," which are probably welcome.

It's not clear at this early juncture whether the new update does anything to the legions of jailbroken and unlocked iPhones out in the … Read more

Nikon releases firmware tweaks for D80

From Nikon's release notes on firmware version 1.10:

The product will be "Certified for Windows Vista" Support for the new USB Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) has been added. The PTP option in the setup menu will be modified to MTP/PTP. The icon will also be modified. The effects of noise reduction processing performed at shutter speeds of 1 - 8s with shutter speed set to "bulb," when ON is selected for Long Exp. NR in the shooting menu, have been approved.

Download the firmware update for Windows or Mac.

Firmware fixes on deck for Samsung Blu-ray players

Blu-ray may be coasting to a format war victory over archrival HD DVD, but it's still got some mopping up to do in the meantime--namely, improving player compatibility with some of the more popular movies already available. Samsung has begun rolling out firmware upgrades for all of its players to address issues that have plagued some users when watching Blu-ray versions of such favorites as Ratatouille, Spider-Man 3, Live Free or Die Hard, Blade Runner, and Pirates of the Caribbean 3. According to Samsung, the updates will be available as follows: … Read more

The mass SMS-text strikes back: The 1.1.3 iPhone update rocks

I still stand by my original post that the updates promised for the iPhone released today as firmware "update 1.1.3 "should be given a better number, maybe a 1.2?, to mark the great features and updates. Hoaxes and teasers aside, I can't contain my giddiness - mass SMS text messages are back! That and many other neat features tracks the industry-wide trend of users being able to customize their iPhones to greater and greater lengths. Installation, via iTunes (which itself got an update) was quick - within 10 minutes I was up and running.… Read more

Chestnut Hill George gets 3.0 firmware update

It's MacWorld week, which means that the faithful parishioners of the Church of Jobs are required to make the pilgrimage to San Francisco to see the latest and greatest of all things Mac and iPod. In addition to Apple's own revelations due from Steve Jobs' eagerly anticipated keynote address, the show also gives an opportunity to the increasingly massive army of iPod accessory makers to highlight their latest announcements, as well. And that's exactly what Chestnut Hill Sound is doing by revealing some refinements to its George iPod speaker system (pictured). The device, which includes a unique wireless remote that mirrors the iPod's display, will soon be getting a trio of enhancements, courtesy of a Version 3.0 firmware upgrade: … Read more